DE102008056250A1 - Device for detecting at least one vital parameter of a person in a motor vehicle and device for monitoring at least one vital parameter of a person in a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

A device (100) for detecting at least one vital parameter of a person in a motor vehicle is described, comprising the following features: an optoelectronic sensor arrangement (130) for detecting the at least one vital parameter by means of light remission, wherein the optoelectronic sensor arrangement comprises at least one first light source (310) and a photosensitive element (330), and wherein the first light source and the photosensitive element are arranged in a fingerboard (120) of an operating element (110) of the motor vehicle, and wherein the fingerboard (120) is designed to form a fingertip (220). the person in a sensor area (340) of the finger bed (120) in which the first light source (310) and the photosensitive element (330) are arranged to receive flush.

Description

The The present application relates to a device for detecting and / or monitoring at least one vital parameter of a person, eg. B. in a motor vehicle.

Known Methods for detecting vital parameters are, for example, the optical plethysmography and pulse oximetry. The are based optical plethysmography and pulse oximetry basically on the same measurement method and provide a method for non-invasive Determination of pulse rate, pulse rate variability and arterial oxygen saturation over the Measurement of light absorption or light remission in tissue. The optical plethysmography is based on volume fluctuations of body fluids in vessels, z. B. blood, conditional change the light absorption while the pulse oximetry on the different light absorption or Light remission of a red and an infrared light beam at Fluoroscopy of the skin and tissue based.

Optical plethysmography and pulse oximetry have become part of everyday clinical practice and are used for standard patient monitoring as well as for diagnostic purposes. Among other things, the pulse oximetry is increasingly used for "homecare", ie for the monitoring or "monitoring" of the patient in the home environment. The main applications are: a) care of patients with cardiac risk factors, b) diagnosis of sleep disorders, c) fatigue detection, d) stress detection, and e) chronic lung diseases. In pulse oximetry, the standard SpO ₂ values are taken via an optical sensor on the finger, toe or earlobe. The measurement is typically done with a clip sensor or an adhesive sensor. In order to perform the pulse oxymetric measurements not only in the hospital, the patient typically gets a mobile device whose application part or sensor is attached directly to the body. This limits the freedom of movement of patients and is largely unacceptable as a solution in an automobile due to the restriction of freedom of movement.

Partially has been proposed optical sensors for the aforementioned measurement methods to integrate into the steering wheel rim. Here, however, has often the poor signal quality the optical measurement proved to be a problem.

Summary

One embodiment The present invention provides a device for detecting at least one vital parameter of a person in a car with the following Characteristics: an optoelectronic sensor arrangement for detecting the at least one vital parameter by means of light remission, wherein the optoelectronic sensor arrangement at least a first light source and a photosensitive element, and wherein the first Light source and the photosensitive element in a fingerboard an operating element of the motor vehicle are arranged, and wherein The finger bed is designed to be a fingertip of the person in one Sensor area of the fingerboard, in which the first light source and the photosensitive element are arranged to receive flush.

One another embodiment The present invention provides an apparatus for monitoring at least one vital parameter of a person in a motor vehicle with the following features: a device for detecting the at least a vital parameter; and a device for evaluating the at least a vital parameter that is designed to have a value of at least a vital parameter having at least a given threshold compare and issue a warning message if the value of at least a Vitalparameters this at least one threshold above or below.

embodiments The invention is based on the recognition that complicated and extreme lighting conditions in the automobile, especially on the steering wheel rim, cause extraneous light artifacts, which falsify the measurement can.

The Invention is based on the finding that known solutions for integration of optical sensors in automotive environments, e.g. B. the integration an optical sensor in the steering wheel, hard or not at all in the automotive conditions are feasible. The reasons for this are before all not suitable integration sites and the poor signal quality of the optical Measurement, which will be discussed in more detail below.

The steering wheel rim provides too little space for the integration of the optical sensors: Here can, for. B. the finger bed are implemented only limited. A small area of the contact point "finger-sensor" leads to a non-optimal distribution of the contact pressure and thus to falsifications or even the loss of the measured data. In contrast, z. As the shift knob sufficient space to implement the fingerboard and thus enables reliable acquisition of the measurement data.

moreover The steering wheel is one of the most mobile controls of the car or one of the controls that moves the most. Thereby Optical measurements become a large proportion of motion artifacts which in turn includes the acquisition of the measurement data or vital parameters affect.

In addition, influence size Temperature fluctuations on the steering wheel rim itself very strong the readings.

embodiments the device for optically detecting at least one vital parameter point a photosensitive element, e.g. B. an optical sensor, on, the fixed in an operating element of the automobile or motor vehicle is integrated. No additional equipment is needed on the driver's body is worn so that the impairment of the driver so low as possible is held. Controls of the motor vehicle are z. B. the shift knob or the steering wheel, but in a broader sense also include other elements of the automobile, with which the driver but also a passenger in Contact comes, such as B. the center armrest or the side armrests.

embodiments allow the device for detecting at least one vital parameter thanks the finger bed in an operating element of the motor vehicle a reduction disturbing influences other light sources from outside the optoelectronic sensor arrangement on the measurement or detection. These other light sources, independent whether it is direct light or reflected light Light is also known as extraneous light.

Embodiments, in which the fingerboard integrated in the shift knob as a control element is possible In addition, an optimal distribution of the contact pressure of the fingertip. This finger bed also makes the fingertip as possible optimally placed on the optical sensor, d. H. guided. Of the Shift knob offers significantly more space than conventional steering wheels or Wheel rims, around the finger bed and the optical sensor (optoelectronic sensor arrangement) and possibly also the electronic circuit for control and Integration of data analysis. In addition, the shift knob is also not as safety relevant as the steering wheel. This can to a higher one Industry acceptance for future technological manufacturing processes to lead.

at embodiments In addition, with a fingerboard integrated in the shift knob complicated or extreme light conditions in the automobile on the one hand due to the slightly lower position of the shift knob (compared to the Steering wheel) relative to the windshield and the side windows eliminated or reduced. Further, the photosensitive member becomes the optoelectronic sensor arrangement in the shift knob of extraneous light protected by special construction of the fingerboard, which encloses the finger flush.

Brief description of the figures

embodiments The present invention will be described below with reference to FIG the enclosed drawings closer explained.

1 shows an embodiment of a device for detecting at least one vital parameter of a person in a motor vehicle in the form of a light remission sensor integrated in a shift knob.

2 shows the embodiment according to 1 with the hand of the person for whom the at least one vital parameter is to be recorded.

3 shows an embodiment of an arranged in a finger bed of a control element optoelectronic sensor arrangement (here a light emission sensor).

4 shows a device for monitoring at least one vital parameter of a person in a motor vehicle and triggered by Threshold exceeded data transfer to a third party, eg. B. Doctors PC or server.

5 and 6 show two photos of an embodiment of a device for detecting at least one vital parameter of a person in the form of a light remission sensor integrated in a shift knob.

7 shows a photo of another embodiment of a device for detecting at least one vital parameter of a person in the form of a light remission sensor integrated in a shift knob.

8th shows an embodiment of a user interface for a medical application.

there are used in the present invention for objects and functional units, the same or similar have functional properties, same reference numerals used.

Detailed description

1 shows an embodiment of a device 100 for detecting at least one vital parameter of a person in a motor vehicle.

The device 100 for detecting has a shift knob 110 or knob 110 a lever on which a fingerboard 120 (see dashed line), wherein in the finger bed 120 a light emission sensor 130 or generally an opto-electronic sensor arrangement 130 is arranged. The in the shift knob 110 integrated light emission sensor 130 has two light sources, a red diode and an infrared diode, and a photosensor or a photodiode, as will be described later with reference to FIG 3 is explained in more detail. The light sources and the photosensor lie in the same plane and are close to each other. The light sources radiate into the tissue of the finger and the photosensor measures the reflected remitted portions of the light field, as shown schematically by the solder 140 (Dashed line perpendicular to the plane of the sensor area or the area of the fingerboard 120 , in which the light sources and the photosensor are arranged) as well as the indicated beam path 150 the reflected portion of the light field is shown.

• – bequeme Lage des Fingers,
• – optimal verteilter Anpressdruck bei der Auflage des Fingers, z. B. durch Führung des Fingers mittels des Fingerbetts,
• – Querlage des Fingers am Schaltknauf möglich, um verschiedene Griffgewohnheiten der Fahrer zu berücksichtigen,
• – Abmessungen des Fingerbetts 120 derart, dass unabhängig von der variierenden Fingergröße von Mensch zu Mensch ein bündiges Aufnehmen des Fingers in dem Fingerbett 120 erreicht wird und störende Einflüsse durch Fremdlicht vermieden bzw. zumindest reduziert werden,
• – (automatische) Anpassung der Breite des Fingers 120 an den Finger, und
• – Sicherstellen, dass der Finger nicht im Fingerbett eingeklemmt werden kann, indem z. B. das Fingerbett oben offen ist bzw. auf der der optoelektronischen Sensoranordnung gegenüberliegenden Seite zumindest teilweise offen ist, und in anderen Ausführungsbeispielen sich zudem nicht nach oben verjüngt.

The sensor 130 is in the fingertip 120 integrated, with the fingertip 120 a special depression or recess in the shift knob 110 or more generally in an operating element of the motor vehicle, in which a finger of the driver can be comfortably inserted. Through this fingerboard 120 the fingertip is as optimal as possible on the optical sensor 130 placed. At the same time the photoelement of the sensor becomes 130 Protected from outside lighting and the applied force at the contact point between finger and sensor 130 equally distributed. An embodiment of the finger bed 120 can fulfill one or more of the following ergonomic requirements:

• - comfortable position of the finger,
• - optimally distributed contact pressure at the edition of the finger, z. B. by guiding the finger by means of the fingerboard,
• - Transverse position of the finger on the shift knob possible to accommodate different grip habits of the driver,
• - Dimensions of the fingerboard 120 such that, regardless of the varying finger size from person to person, a flush recording of the finger in the finger bed 120 is reached and disturbing influences are avoided by extraneous light or at least reduced,
• - (automatic) adjustment of the width of the finger 120 on the finger, and
• - Make sure that the finger can not be pinched in the finger bed, eg by B. the finger bed is open at the top or on the opposite side of the optoelectronic sensor assembly is at least partially open, and in other embodiments also not tapered upwards.

An adaptation of the width of the finger bed to the finger can be achieved, for example, that the shift knob 110 interchangeable, and for different drivers specific gear knobs 110 with a finger bed adapted to the size of the hand, with a fingertip adapted to the driver's finger (s) and / or grip habits 120 can be mounted. This ensures, for. B. a corresponding lock that the interchangeable shift knob 110 firmly connected to the shift lever. An automatic adjustment of a common shift knob 110 for multiple drivers, and thus an automatic adjustment of the width of the finger bed to the various fingers, for example, by using elastic materials in the area of the fingerboard 120 be achieved, wherein the respective driver-specific setting of the fingerboard width, for example, stored and controlled in a driver profile in addition to other driver-specific settings such as adjustment of the interior and exterior mirrors, the seat, etc.

2 shows the embodiment of the device 100 for detecting at least one vital parameter according to 1 with applied hand 210 and one to the optoelectronic sensor assembly 130 applied fingertip 220 ,

3 shows an embodiment of a fingerboard of an operating element of a motor vehicle with a in the finger bed 120 integrated optoelectronic sensor arrangement 130 in the form of a light remission sensor. The optoelectronic sensor arrangement 130 has a red diode 310 , an infrared diode 320 and a photodiode 330 on that in a sensor area 340 of the finger bed 120 are arranged. The distance d of the infrared diode 320 and the photodiode 330 is for example 8 mm. As in 3 On the right, the red diode, the infrared diode and the photodiode are arranged in a line. In alternative embodiments, these may also be arranged differently from each other.

The red diode is designed, for example, to generate a visible light in the 660 nm range, and the infrared diode 320 to produce a light in the invisible to humans wavelength range of 940 nm. Due to the different colors of the hemoglobin saturated with oxygen, a different absorption occurs for the transmitted red light or infrared light, which is the photosensor 330 measures, for example, by means of a comparison of the measurement results with a reference table, the evaluation unit can detect or determine the oxygen saturation of the blood in the capillaries. In addition to the oxygen saturation, by means of the optoelectronic sensor arrangement 130 also generally the pulse or the pulse wave, pulse rate, pulse rate variability are determined. However, for the determination of these pulse parameters or pulse information, in contrast to the determination of the oxygen saturation, a single light source of the two light sources is sufficient.

As previously explained, the finger bed is 120 Preferably designed so that it fingers or fingertips of different sizes so leads or receives that the fingertip 220 in the sensor area 340 is applied to allow optimal measurement. This can, for example, as in 3 shown on the right, by a concave fingerboard 120 be achieved. For illustration is a smaller fingertip 220 ' (dashed line) in 3 drawn on the right. A concave fingerboard also allows a flush closing fingers of different sizes to reduce disturbing influences by extraneous light.

The 1 - 3 In other words, generally show a device for detecting at least one vital parameter of a person in a motor vehicle with the following features: an optoelectronic sensor arrangement 130 for detecting the at least one vital parameter by means of light remission, wherein the optoelectronic sensor arrangement comprises a first light source 310 , optionally a second light source 320 and a photosensitive element 330 having; being the first light source 310 , the second light source 320 and the photosensitive element 330 in a sensor area 340 a finger bed 120 a control element 110 of the motor vehicle are arranged and wherein the finger bed 120 is trained to a fingertip 220 the person in a sensor area 340 of the finger bed 120 in which the first light source 310 , the second light source 320 and the photosensitive element 330 are arranged to receive flush.

In this case, the optoelectronic sensor arrangement 130 according to the 1 - 3 a light emission sensor, wherein the red diode 310 the first light source corresponds to the infrared diode 320 corresponds to the second light source and the photosensor or the photodiode 330 corresponds to the photosensitive element. Generally speaking, the first light source is configured to generate a light of a first wavelength, the second light source is configured to generate a light of a second wavelength, wherein the first and the second wavelength are different.

Furthermore, embodiments of the fingerboard may be described as a recess open on one side in the operating element, which is designed to form a lower side of the fingertip 220 flush. The one-sided openness of the finger bed 120 has opposite clips or the fingerboard completely enclosing arrangements the advantage that, for example, in the street the finger can be immediately removed from the fingertip at any time, without getting stuck. Further, the first light source 310 , the second light source 320 and the photosensitive element 330 arranged with respect to the finger on the same side of the finger, and the photosensitive element 330 formed, the reflected remitting light of the first and second light source 310 . 320 to recieve.

Although the 1 and 2 an embodiment of the device 100 show for capturing at least one vital parameter in which the control element in which the fingerboard 120 is integrated, a shift knob is, in alternative embodiments, the control element, for example, the steering wheel or the fingerboard be integrated in the steering wheel or be the center armrest or the fingerboard be integrated in a region of the center armrest.

4 shows an embodiment of a measuring system for the detection of pulse waves, pulse rate, pulse rate variability and oxygen saturation of the blood of a person in a motor vehicle. The measuring system consists of an optical sensor 130 , a control and evaluation electronics 410 , a driver interaction system 420 , a telemedical interface 430 and a medical PC (personal computer) 460 , Here is the optical sensor 130 as previously based on the 1 - 3 explained, arranged in a finger bed in an operating element of the motor vehicle and the control and evaluation 410 , the driver interaction system 420 and the telemedical interface 430 also integrated in the motor vehicle.

In a further embodiment, for example, the control and evaluation electronics 410 in the same control as the optical sensor 130 be integrated. The medical PC or corresponding server is set up, for example, at a doctor, clinic or other location and, for example, by means of a mobile radio network 450 , also known as Mobile Core Network in English, and a base station 440 with a mobile transceiver unit working in the telemedical interface 330 integrated, interconnected. The mobile network, for example, a UMTS mobile network (Universal Mobile Telecommunication Standard) or other mobile standard, such. As GPRS (Global Packet Radio System) or GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication), or other radio communication network, eg. WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network).

The recorded vital parameters are determined by the evaluation electronics 410 for example, divided into three warning groups (see table). For each of the alert groups, the upper and lower limits of the corresponding vital parameters are defined. The warning levels are also defined based on the level of driver hazard for each alert group. If the given limit value of the vital parameters is exceeded, the corresponding warning message is triggered. Table. Definition of warning levels. N / data error The first warning level corresponds to the driver's normal condition (the vital parameter is within normal physiological limits). The non-evaluable or lost sensor data are also coded as the first warning level. Caution The second warning level corresponds to the driver's condition, if the values of the vital signs have to be alerted. This is followed by the warning message about the exceeded limit values. The driver is advised to withdraw from the traffic. Critical The third warning level corresponds to the driver's condition, if medical care is necessary. This is followed by the warning message about the exceeded limit values. The driver has to retire from traffic.

In other words, a further embodiment of the present invention provides a device for monitoring at least one vital parameter of a person in a motor vehicle with the following features: a device 100 for detecting the at least one vital parameter, as determined by the 1 - 3 has been described; and at least one device 410 for evaluating the at least one vital parameter which is designed to compare a value of the at least one vital parameter with at least one given threshold value and to issue a warning message if the value of the at least one vital parameter exceeds or falls below at least one threshold value.

The 5 and 6 show photos of an exemplary integration of an optical sensor 130 in a fingerboard 120 , in turn, in a shift knob 110 is integrated.

7 shows a photo of a prototype of a finger bed 120 a shift knob 110 integrated optical sensor 130 , which has a multi-core shielded cable 710 with control and evaluation electronics 410 connected is. The control and evaluation electronics 410 is about one in the electronic circuit of the control and evaluation 410 integrated Bluetooth interface with a central unit, eg. The driver interaction system 420 and the telemedical interface 430 (please refer 4 ), coupled.

8th shows an example of a user interface for a medical application, such as on the medical PC 460 can be executed, as in 8th represented, for example, the pulse over time and the pulse rate, z. B. 75 beats per minute (see 8th ), as well as the oxygen content of the blood, z. 91% (see 8th ).

reference Therefore, referring to the previous explanations, it can be said be that embodiments the present invention, a "method and measuring system for optical detection of the pulse wave, pulse rate, pulse rate variability and oxygen saturation the blood of a driver in the gear knob of a motor vehicle ", a" measuring system for detection of the pulse wave, pulse rate, pulse rate variability and oxygen saturation the blood of a driver of a motor vehicle by means of the shift knob integrated optical sensor "and / or an "optical Sensor for detecting the pulse wave, pulse rate, pulse rate variability and oxygen saturation the blood of a driver in the shift knob "realize. In this case, embodiments of the present invention both as a medical monitoring system, also known as "monitoring" in English, the vital parameter of a human, in particular the detection of Pulse wave, pulse rate, pulse rate variability and oxygen saturation of the blood, as well as a facility and a method for occupant protection or for occupant warning and driver assistance is used become. The field of application of the invention is, for example in the field of preventive, supervisory and accompanying medicine for the use in the vehicle, keyword "driver assistance systems", under or without telemetric medical At sight. It can embodiments used in the present invention to drivers in everyday life with cardiac risk factors when driving in relation to Fatigue, Attention to monitor stress.

there create embodiments the present invention further provides a method and a measuring system, the one implementation the measurements of the pulse wave parameters, the pulse rate, the pulse rate variability and the oxygen saturation of blood under low-impact automotive conditions allow the driver. In the process, the measured values are sent to the driver, for example, via the driver interaction system as well as, for example, a supervising physician via telemetric interface accessible made. The recorded values can classified and with a personal Driver profile to be matched. When exceeding the limit values For example, a warning message or an alarm or an emergency service call triggered.

embodiments The present invention further relates to a device of a optical sensor in the shift knob of a motor vehicle for detection the pulse wave with different electromagnetic wavelengths in the range the invisible infrared and the visible red electromagnetic spectrum.

Further create embodiments In the present invention, an apparatus for monitoring pulse rate, pulse rate variability, and oxygen saturation of the blood of the driver in the automobile based on the detected Pulse wave and / or a measuring system for detecting the pulse wave, pulse rate, Pulse rate variability and oxygen saturation of the blood of the driver in the automobile.

Further create embodiments the present invention, a driver assistance system for medical monitoring the state of health of the driver, in particular the pulse wave profile, the pulse rate, pulse rate variability and oxygen saturation of the blood. This results in other applications, such. B. by a coupling of influences on the driver, such. B. stress, with a corresponding assistance, For example, a corresponding request by means of an announcement or display opposite the driver to reduce the speed.

Claims (9)

Contraption ( 100 ) for detecting at least one vital parameter of a person in a motor vehicle with the following features: an optoelectronic sensor arrangement ( 130 ) for detecting the at least one vital parameter by means of light remission, the optoelectronic sensor arrangement comprising at least one first light source ( 310 ) and a photosensitive element ( 330 ), and wherein the first light source and the photosensitive element in a fingerboard ( 120 ) of an operating element ( 110 ) of the motor vehicle, and wherein the finger bed ( 120 ) is formed around a fingertip ( 220 ) of the person in a sensor area ( 340 ) of the finger bed ( 120 ), in which the first light source ( 310 ) and the photosensitive element ( 330 ) are arranged to receive flush. Device according to claim 1, wherein the fingerboard ( 120 ) a recess open on one side in the Bedie element ( 110 ), which is adapted to a bottom of the fingertip ( 220 ) flush. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first light source ( 310 ) and the photosensitive element ( 330 ) in a same plane of the fingerboard ( 120 ) are arranged. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the operating element ( 110 ) is a knob of a shift lever. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the vital parameters is a pulse information. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the optoelectronic sensor arrangement ( 130 ) additionally a second light source ( 320 ) in the finger bed ( 120 ) of the operating element ( 110 ) is arranged. The device of claim 6, wherein the vital parameter an oxygen saturation of the person's blood. Device for monitoring at least one vital parameter of a person in a motor vehicle, comprising the following features: 100 ) for detecting the at least one vital parameter according to one of claims 1 to 7; and a device ( 410 ) for evaluating the at least one vital parameter which is designed to compare a value of the at least one vital parameter with at least one given threshold value and to issue a warning message if the value of the at least one vital parameter exceeds or falls below at least one threshold value. Apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising: a driver assistance system; wherein the device for evaluating ( 410 ) is designed to monitor on the basis of the overshoot or undershoot of the at least one threshold cardiac risk factors or chronic lung disease of the person to detect fatigue and / or stress of the person, and the driver assistance system is formed, when the threshold is exceeded or not to offer or provide assistance to the person depending on it.